ATLANTA, GA – (April 18, 2008) - Michael S. Taormina CFE, Managing Director of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and Randy Powell, representing the Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers kicked-off a special campaign with the donation of two C-Class leases to help raise vital funds for the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 18 outside of the main theatre entrance.

The first 500 people who donate $1,000 in order to have a seat named in their honor in the John A. Williams Theatre will be entered in a random drawing for one of the two leases. The program began on, April 18 and will end on August 31, 2008 or when the 500th donation is made, whichever comes first. Winners will be announced on the Cobb Energy Centre website on September 8, 2008. To purchase a seat visit the Centre in person or go to www.cobbenergycentre.com.

This special lease campaign is just one part of a successful partnership between the Cobb Energy Centre and the Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers. Mercedes-Benz is the official automotive partner of the Centre as part of a three-year commitment with the Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz dealers. Since opening last fall, the Centre has hosted a diverse range of performances and has become the new home of the Atlanta Ballet and the Atlanta Opera. “The Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers are proud to be part, from the inception, of this new home for the performing arts in Atlanta.” said Kevin Sreenan, Regional General Manager Mercedes-Benz Southern Region, representing the Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers. Many of our customers are patrons and supporters of the arts and the Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers wanted to demonstrate their commitment to the important role the arts play in the community with this partnership.”

“We appreciate the sponsorship from the Atlanta area Mercedes-Benz Dealers, creating a partnership of a world-class performing arts centre with a world-class automotive brand,” said Cobb Energy Centre Managing Director Michael S. Taormina, CFE. “Support from the business community is vital to maintaining a vibrant arts community.”

About Cobb Energy Centre
The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, a $145 million, state-of-the-art facility, is located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in northwest Atlanta, inside the Perimeter. Cobb Energy Centre is a premier venue for opera, concerts, Broadway shows, ballet, educational shows, family shows and corporate meetings and events. The Centre hosts two resident companies, The Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet. The facility includes the 2,750-seat John A. Williams Theatre, 10,000-square-foot Kessel D. Stelling, Jr. Ballroom and other meeting spaces, 1,000 parking spaces including a 700-space parking deck, and full-service food and beverage capabilities. The Centre, part of the Cobb-Galleria complex, is governed by the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority. Additional information about the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is available at www.cobbenergycentre.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA and Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. The Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealer group is comprised of RBM of Atlanta, Atlanta Classic Cars, Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead, Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta and RBM of Atlanta - North. More information on the Atlanta Area Mercedes-Benz Dealer’s can be found at www.mbatlantadealers.com. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

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Photo caption: Randy Powell, representing the metro Atlanta area Mercedes-Benz dealers, Michele Swann, General Manager of the Cobb Galleria Centre and Michael S. Taormina, CFE, Managing Director of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre kick off the C-Class lease promotion on Friday, April 18, 2008.